BUSINESS CONCEPT #313 - CLOSED-LOOP KINGFISH AQUA-FEED
A facility producing high-protein fish feed from Black Soldier Fly larvae fed on local organic waste to supply the aquaculture industry.
Executive Summary
This business establishes a nutrient-recovery facility in Te Tai Tokerau that converts organic waste into premium aqua-feed. By leveraging the natural efficiency of Black Soldier Fly larvae, we provide a localised, sustainable protein source for the NIWA Kingfish facility and other regional aquaculture ventures.
The Problem & Solution
The Problem: The aquaculture industry currently relies on high-entropy fishmeal imported from offshore, which is ecologically expensive and vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Simultaneously, local organic waste from supermarkets and restaurants is sent to landfills, where it generates methane and increases regional entropy.
The Solution: We operationalise the "Economic Pā" by closing the nutrient loop. Our facility uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to process regional organic waste into high-protein feed and nutrient-rich frass (fertiliser). This turns a waste liability into a high-value asset for our blue economy.
Target Market
Commercial Aquaculture Operators: Primary focus on the NIWA Kingfish facility at Bream Bay.
Regional Organic Waste Producers: Supermarkets, restaurants, and food processors seeking to reduce landfill costs and improve their Mauri score.
Regenerative Farmers: Growers looking for high-quality organic fertiliser (frass) to restore soil health.
Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
We offer a "Zero-Mile Protein" solution. Unlike imported feeds, our product is grown locally from regional waste, ensuring a lower carbon footprint and higher biosecurity. We provide the aquaculture sector with a way to achieve a Mauri Ora (+2) rating by becoming a truly circular operation.
Revenue Model
Feed Sales: Direct sales of processed larvae meal to aquaculture facilities.
Waste Diversion Fees: Charging a "gate fee" to commercial entities for processing their organic waste, set at a rate lower than current landfill levies.
Fertiliser Sales: Selling the nutrient-dense byproduct (frass) to local horticulturalists and nurseries.
Marketing & Channels
Strategic B2B Partnerships: Deep integration with NIWA and regional aquaculture clusters to co-develop feed specifications.
Waste Management Contracts: Partnering with local councils and waste contractors to streamline the collection of organic feedstock.
30-60-90 Day Milestones
30 Days: Finalise the feedstock procurement agreements with three major regional supermarkets.
60 Days: Complete the pilot larvae-rearing modules and establish the initial protein assay for the Kingfish feed.
90 Days: Begin consistent trial deliveries to the NIWA facility and launch the "Mauri-Meter" audit for the production process.
Mauri Score Assessment
Te Taiao (Environment): +2. Directly diverts organic waste from landfills and reduces the ecological pressure on wild fish stocks by replacing imported fishmeal.
Te Ahurea (Culture): +1. Recognises our role as Kaitiaki of the moana (sea) by ensuring our aquaculture practices do not degrade the wider environment.
Te Tangata (Social): +1. Creates local mahi in the emerging bio-economy and provides a practical "Universal Constructor" training ground for rangatahi.
Te Pūtea (Economic): +2. Retains wealth within the region by replacing an expensive import with a locally manufactured product, plugging an economic leak.
